Eating Disorders Rarely Come Alone
Many people come to us seeking therapy for eating disorders—and with good reason. It’s a core part of what we do at Empowering You. But a crucial part of that work is recognizing that eating disorders rarely exist in isolation.
Eating Disorders as Coping Mechanisms
We understand eating disorders as maladaptive coping strategies. While they may begin as an attempt to feel more in control or manage emotional pain, they often develop alongside other mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or PTSD. In many cases, the eating disorder becomes a way to survive when life feels unmanageable.
Eventually, these behaviors stop working—or begin causing more harm than good. That’s often when someone walks through our doors, ready to begin healing. Recovery typically involves not only addressing the eating disorder, but also unpacking the layered emotional experiences that contribute to it.
This might include:
Beginning a medication regimen
Starting EMDR to process trauma
Examining core beliefs and learned patterns
Rebuilding relationships and healthy coping mechanisms
Looking Beneath the Surface
Some clients come in already aware of these intersections. They tell us on day one that they restrict when anxious, or that bingeing and purging began after a traumatic experience. Others begin to piece together their story over time, as therapy helps them uncover the root causes and emotional needs that the eating disorder was trying to meet.
This process can feel like solving a puzzle—understanding how the eating disorder developed, what purpose it served, and how to replace it with more sustainable forms of self-care and connection.
Reflective Questions for Exploring Function
If you’re curious about the role your eating disorder plays in your life, here are a few questions to explore:
How do I feel physically before, during, and after using eating disorder behaviors?
What situations tend to lead to using behaviors? What emotions are present?
Have I ever been diagnosed with another mental health condition? Have others expressed concern about anxiety, depression, or other challenges?
If I think back to before the eating disorder began, how was life different? Was there a triggering event?
How do I feel when I’m unable to engage in eating disorder behaviors? What does that tell me about my needs?
Healing is Possible—and You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
At Empowering You, we take a holistic approach to eating disorder recovery. That means treating more than just symptoms—we help you explore the emotional, relational, and psychological patterns that may be fueling disordered behaviors. Whether you're navigating anxiety, trauma, or just trying to understand your story, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
If you're ready to take the next step in your healing journey, reach out to us to schedule a consultation. You deserve compassionate care that sees the whole you.
